Romanian President: EU membership candidate status must be granted to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia “as soon as possible”

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said the European Union membership candidate status must be granted “as soon as possible” to the Associated Trio countries of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

The candidate status must be granted [to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia] as soon as possible. It is a morally and economically correct solution, as well as a correct security solution. We will try to find a solution that is feasible and sustainable”, Iohannis said.

He also noted the Associated Trio countries must benefit from an “optimal framework” for carrying out the reform processes related to European integration, and from a “unitary” approach based on their own merits and the progress in the reforms. 

I supported the importance of a clear political signal regarding the European Union's decision to engage with partners on an ambitious pro-European path, to be adopted at the European Council this month”, the president explained.